Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women has awarded Guam two grants totaling $839,136 to the Guam Legal Services Corporation and the Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence.
The Office of Violence Against Women funds projects that provide comprehensive legal services either through direct representation or victim advocacy to enhance victim safety and strengthen their economic security.
Guam Delegate to Congress Madeleine Z. Bordallo. advocated for funding for these programs during Congress’ appropriations process and she has consistently supported Guam’s efforts to obtain funding.
The $600,000 grant awarded to the Guam Legal Services Corporation will support the Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program. The program was designed to strengthen civil and criminal legal assistance programs for adult and youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence sexual assault, and stalking who are seeking relief in legal matters related to abuse or violence. The $239,136 grant awarded to the Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence will support efforts to coordinate victim services and collaborate with federal, state and local entities to respond to violence against women issues.
“These grants provide critical federal assistance to Guam improve the overall safety of our island and quality of life of our people,” said Bordallo.
“I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives in supporting these programs during the annual appropriations program and I am pleased that the DOJ is releasing these funds to assist these organizations in providing solutions to keep our people safe and provide services needed to combat domestic violence and sexual assault. We are a people rooted in love and respect and violence and assault have no place on our island. These funds will help make Guam a safer place for our families to live.”